11/06/2023 — Good morning to you lovely humans! I hope you all had a lovely Halloween and are preparing for the winter holidays (Sorry, Thanksgiving. You don’t count). Anyone dress up as literary characters? I was a dark fae for Halloween, and I was saddened at the amount of people who asked what a fae was. For those who don’t know here… sad. No no, I’m definitely kidding! Fae is a short word for “faery” or “fairy”. There is a swell of Fae fantasy books that are very popular right now, so if any of you want to learn more about Fae in the reader world, you don’t have to look far. Let me know if you all want some of my favorite Fae book recommendations for next time!
I am back with this week’s email to answer some more questions for you all… Shall we?
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing poetry for about 13 years, writing books for 10 years, and weaving romantic storylines for myself since preschool. No lie.
What genre would you say you write?
Romantic fantasy (most-often) and Romantic apocalyptic! I love a high-stakes romance. Is it really worth it without some heart ache and near-death experiences? Fun fact: there is a difference between romantic fantasy and fantasy romance. Romantic fantasy is a story that has a central fantasy plot enhanced by romance. Fantasy romance is a story that has a central romantic plot enhanced by a fantasy setting.
Have you taken classes or received instruction for creative writing?
Short answer… none at all! Well, none except for traditional english classes. I think attending some freelance writing classes would be something really cool to do in the future, but maybe after I’ve had a break from grad school.
What do you think is the biggest problem you need help with in your writing?
Two answers for this question. First, I can be a rambler. I love the nitty-gritty detail of an action scene and the backstory and emotions of every side character. Unfortunately, not all those things are necessary to the plot of one book. My editor has used a lot of (virtual) red ink in my original manuscript because of all the side stories and moments I had in To Favor Blood & Flowers. I’m working on refining my writing going forward. Second, I think I’m very aware—and still need help—with diversity in my books. It is something that is lacking in fantasy books generally, and I think I still have lots of work to do with expanding characters and culture and gender in To Favor Blood & Flowers (and all my works-in-progress), but also expanding my exposure to diversity in my own personal reading.
What are your ultimate goals for your writing career?
I think writing has always been an escape for me, and I see it as more of a side hobby for myself than a future career. That being said, I still have goals! The largest, of course, is publishing the entire trilogy for To Favor Blood & Flowers. I get all giddy when I think of all three of them out there for the world to see and experience. After that, I don’t really know if I will publish again! It will likely depend on how the publishing experience goes for this first trilogy. I will always continue writing, but it has already been an exhausting process to work on editing and publishing one book. I plan to finish writing several others, but we’ll see if I want to put them on the shelves.
Send me what other questions you have about myself as an author or To Favor Blood & Flowers! Wishing you all a merry rainy season :)
Much love and happy reading,
Gail ❤
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